KOTA BARU: The Pas-led Kelantan government said integrity officers have been appointed at the local government-level in the state.
State Local Government, Housing, Health and Environment Committee chairman Hilmi Abdullah said these integrity officers also function as the Secretariat of the Anti-Corruption Committee.
He said these positions exist although there are no integrity units specifically established in all local governments in Kelantan.
"This integrity officer also acts as an investigation officer of the department or agency and is also a Liaison Officer between the department with the Integrity and Governance Division of the State Government Secretary's Office.
"The annual pledge against corruption with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is also held with all state government staff and officials including the local governments," he said in a statement, adding the matter is under the Kelantan State Government Secretary office.
Today, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said all local governments or Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan (PBT) in Kelantan, Kedah and Perlis, which are three states under Perikatan Nasional's (PN) administration have yet to establish any integrity unit.
Nga instructed all local governments that have not yet implemented this directive from the Public Service Department (PSD) to immediately establish their own integrity units.
He also said integrity units are crucial to ensure the commitment of all 156 local governments in the Madani government's effort to combat corruption.
Hilmi urged Nga to reveal the list of integrity units set up in 156 local governments nationwide.
"Referring to the statement made by the
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming today which stated that local governments in Kedah, Perlis and Kelantan, were found to have not established integrity units, I think the minister should be more transparent by listing the status of the establishment of integrity units in all 156 local governments in Malaysia and not only in those three states."
Hilmi said as a state government which practices the policy of 'Developing With Islam' since 1990, integrity and good governance in administration have been its basic principles for governing.
"This practice is improved by the implementation of work based on various principles, the practice of integrity and governance with a sense of responsibility to the religion, employers and trust to oneself that will be questioned again in the afterlife.
"Until now, it has been proven that no state government official and leader has been convicted of corruption. This achievement and clean record has been recognised by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) itself."
Hilmi said the Kelantan government welcomed the establishment of integrity units and supported the move and circular issued by the Public Service Department (PSD).